The England striker, 24, came through an intensive training session on Monday, increasing hopes that he is over the injury that has forced him to miss his side’s last nine games, sources told ESPN FC.

Sturridge has not played since suffering the injury during a training session on Nov. 29.

Before then, he had scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for Liverpool this season, impressing in a formidable strike partnership with Luis Suarez.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping to reunite that pairing for Sunday’s Premier League trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Liverpool have started the New Year with two 2-0 home wins, against Hull in the league and Oldham in the FA Cup, and Rodgers -- whose side are fourth in the Premier League -- is looking to build on those victories to strengthen their push for a Champions League place.

Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of the injury that forced vice-captain Daniel Agger to limp off against League One side Oldham on Sunday.

The Danish centre-back was diagnosed with cramp, but has been sent for a scan as a precaution.